Giveaways — Page 24

Girls’ Heart Petal Skirt Review & Giveaway

February 2, 2015 by Anne Marie 24 Comments

I first discovered the artistry of Tibeca Yao when Eris was newborn and needed a few extra diaper covers. Since that time, Tibeca has added a lot of beautiful new things to her shop and rebranded as Organics by Ti. She is very excited about being CPSC compliant and selling organic clothing and diapers for the eco-conscious family.

She made Susanna a beautiful heart petal skirt at no cost to review for Valentine’s Day. It retails for $35 and comes in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Coordinating fabric panels in the shape of a heart are sewn together with a matching stretchy knitted waistband. The result is lovely and lots of fun!

This is a dream skirt for a three-year-old girl full of imagination and energy. Susanna loves to dance and twirl in her new skirt. It looks REALLY cute with leggings or tights, too. Because of the stretchy waistband, Susanna can easily put it on herself.

You and your daughter can choose from up to four fabric prints for sizes 2 and 4, or from five prints for sizes 6, 8 and 10. OR, give Tibeca a color scheme and she will create something beautiful for you.

This pretty twirl skirt features a neatly rolled and serged hem and falls just below the knee. Tibeca only needed Susanna’s waist measurement to complete the skirt, and the resulting garment is top quality.

I love the way it fits Susanna’s personality perfectly!

Tibeca has offered to giveaway 1 handmade skirt for St. Patrick’s Day to one lucky little girl! Winner may choose from size 2, 4, 6 or 8. Here’s a peak at the fabrics which will be used to make the winner’s skirt!

Giveaway is open to US residents only. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

HALO Microfleece SleepSack Review & Giveaway

January 5, 2015 by Anne Marie 76 Comments

If you’ve been a mother for any length of time, chances are good you’re familiar with the HALO brand. Eleven years ago, when we welcomed our oldest son, the HALO sleeper was one of the very first things I scanned for my baby registry. Here’s a blurb from HALO which sums up their mission in a nutshell: “HALO Innovations is dedicated to putting the health, safety and well-being of babies first. In fact, over 1,200 hospitals use our HALO® SleepSack® wearable blankets through the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. This summer we launched our new bassinet, the HALO™ Bassinest™ Swivel Sleeper, furthering our commitment to helping babies sleep safely.”

A few months ago, HALO sent a Microfleece SleepSack (retail $25) for baby Ingrid to try. This wearable blanket is also available from HALO in other fabrics like cotton, muslin and sherpa. I requested a size small (birth to 6 months) for Ingrid, in the cute pink and white ladybug design. We’ve had a good three months to review it and I’m really eager to share my feedback with you!

Wearable blankets help replace loose blankets in the crib, which can be a safety hazard to young infants and toddlers. They are a great way to keep your little one feeling cozy and warm without the need for extra bedding.

A SleepSack especially comes in handy if you have a baby that prefers not to be tightly wrapped. On the flip side, the SleepSack is roomy enough that you can swaddle your baby inside of it for extra warmth and security.

Size small has been perfect for Ingrid. She’s been wearing it from age 3 months to 5 months, and during that time it’s provided ample room for her to wiggle and kick while not being so big that it swallows her up. The sleeveless design not only allows her arms to move freely, but it allows me to choose short sleeves or long sleeves for her to wear underneath. I love the quality and texture of the microfleece fabric as compared to regular fleece (which is thicker, attracts more lint and pills over time).

Because it zips from top to bottom, you can change your baby without having to fully open the sack. That means they can stay warm and cozy on top while you’re tending to their bottom.

Here is the size chart for easy reference:

Microfleece is definitely an easy-care and quick-to-dry fabric which can be laundered with everything else; the only drawback is that it tends to hold on to odor more than cotton because synthetics are more subject to buildup.

To sum up, here are my thoughts on the newest addition to HALO’s SleepSack line-up:

Advantages:

Microfleece is super soft and cozy
It resists pilling better than regular fleece
It resists staining
It has a stay-dry effect in the event your child wets out of the clothing underneath.
The SleepSack zips from top to bottom, so there’s no zipper near your child’s neck.
Generously sized so it’s easy to put your baby in, execute a diaper change, or get them out.
Arm and neck openings are sized just right for comfort and safety.
Sleeveless design allows for more movement, and less sweating/overheating.

Disadvantages:

Fleece tends to hold onto odors more readily than cotton or other natural fibers.
The cost of $25 will be a stretch for some budgets, but it is an excellent long-term investment, and something you should at least consider adding to your wish list or registry.

I mentioned that HALO has recently introduced a Bassinet Swivel Sleeper for yet another way to keep your baby safe and secure while sleeping. Unlike other bassinets, the unique design swivels back and forth so that parents can easily pull the sleeper closer to comfort, feed or pick up their baby. bassinet. It even swivels right up to your bedside for a cozy and safe “co-sleeping” arrangement. The mesh sides are breathable and let you easily view your little one at all times.

My first baby was a c-section and recovery time was slow; I would have loved a sleeper like this after my surgery to keep Joseph within arm’s reach because moving around was tough on my sore tummy for a few weeks.

Watch this quick video on YouTube to see the bassinet in action. And right now you can enter to win a HALO Bassinet Swivel Sleeper on Facebook!

You can connect with the folks at HALO online or through social media:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Google+
YouTube

Shop for the HALO SleepSack at local retailers of baby goods, or online at Amazon.ca and Amazon.com

There’s a giveaway!! One of my readers will win a HALO Microfleece SleepSack – choose your size and color (subject to availability)! Open to both US and Canadian residents. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Kawaii “Mom Label” Bamboo Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway

December 31, 2014 by Anne Marie 120 Comments

I added a Kawaii “Mom Label” bamboo pocket diaper to my rotation this summer mainly because I wanted to test it as an overnight solution for 18-month-old Erik.

This diaper has a bamboo lining inside and comes with a pair of 3-layer bamboo inserts. Here are the basic specs:

One size fit all, for babies 8 lbs to 36 lbs
100% organic bamboo lining and bamboo inserts
Waterproof outer shell is Thermoplastic Polyuerthane (TPU)
Pocket opening in the back of diaper
2 bamboo inserts made of three layers of fabric
Hip snaps to keep the wings from sagging
Inside strip of PUL at front of diaper for extra protection against leaks
3 rows of rise snaps
Retail $13.95 to $14.95

Here’s the diaper opened up. You can stuff 1 or 2 inserts in the pocket, or just lay them in the diaper shell (pictured at right). NOTE: Previous versions of the diaper featured an inner gusset of bamboo that was sewn into the lining; this feature was phased out.

Fit: These fit almost exactly like the Kawaii Goodnight Heavy Wetter, which I’ve previously reviewed. But they are more trim than microfiber, thanks to the bamboo inserts. I like the square tabs on the wings and the hip snaps that keep the diaper from sagging down when your child is on the move. 5-month-old Ingrid wears the rise on the smallest setting, and then with one snap to spare around the waist. For Erik (now 2), it fits great on the largest rise setting with one or both inserts. On Susanna, who is now 3 and about 37 or 38 pounds, the waist fits at the very largest setting, but the leg holes are way too tight for her to wear the diaper without discomfort. Based on all this, I would say that Kawaii’s size estimations for this particular diaper are very accurate.

Dry Time: The three separate components of this diaper (shell and two inserts) dry in a normal amount of time (one cycle on medium heat).

Absorbency: With one insert, absorbency is comparable to a typical pocket diaper with microfiber. With two inserts, it’s a fantastic nap diaper. It only worked twice for Erik overnight, and so it’s likely not a reliable solution for a toddler. When he sleeps longer than usual or drinks a lot at dinner time, he’ll wake up with wicking around the leg openings because the inside is completely saturated.

However, I can use it overnight for 5-month-old Ingrid if I change her first thing upon waking. So I can recommend it as a nighttime diaper (with both inserts) for young infants that aren’t heavy wetters.

Quality: The diaper is well made overall and sturdy. I found two flaws. The wings aren’t exactly the same size (an error when the fabric was cut, I suppose). And even though the edges of the inserts are serged, there are a lot of uncut threads hanging off giving it the appearance of being frayed.

Other miscellaneous observations: Bamboo stains more easily than microfiber. If using this diaper for a newborn, try folding the insert down before stuffing in the pocket. Kawaii diapers are covered by a 60 day warranty which includes stitching, seams elastics, snaps and hook & loop closures and fabric.

Here are the prints, but some are harder to find in stock than others (namely the Pengins, Goat, Hippos and Green Doggies):

In the US, you can find the Kawaii “Mom Label” bamboo pocket diapers at retailers like Sweetbottoms Baby, Diaper Safari and Nicki’s with FREE shipping.

In Canada, you can purchase Kawaii diapers directly from the manufacturer or at retailers like Lagoon Baby and the Cloth Diaper Source.

Giveaway winner will receive the Kawaii Bamboo Pocket Diaper in choice of in stock colors/prints. Open to US only.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Imagine Stay Dry AIO Diaper Review & Giveaway

December 17, 2014 by Anne Marie 78 Comments

We use Imagine diapers a lot around here. The quality is consistent, prices are very reasonable and the print/color options are all very appealing. Plus they ship for FREE when you buy at Nicki’s. This fall, I purchased the Imagine Stay Dry AIO Diaper in two cute prints – Rawr and Ring-a-Ding:

An All-in-One (AIO) diaper is designed to be put on your baby with no preparation at all. It’s the closest thing to a disposable diaper you’ll find. The outside is waterproof and the absorbent inner is sewn or securely snapped in. You don’t have to stuff or fold anything.

Here are the basic features of the Imagine Stay Dry AIO:

It’s an adjustable “one-size” diaper recommended for babies 8 to 35 pounds
Choose from snap or hook and loop closure options
Waterproof outer, white polar fleece lining and a partially attached 4-layer microfiber soaker pad (with microfleece top)
Available in 5 solid colors and 4 prints
Retail price of $10.95

Here is the diaper opened up. The soaker pad is attached with two snaps at the front of the diaper, and it will stay snapped during use, and while washing and drying.

These photos might help you to get a better idea of sizing, in comparison to other diapers. Next to a typical one-size diaper, the Imagine AIO is smaller in the rise and more trim from side to side. Next to a newborn (size 1) diaper cover, the difference in rise is more noticeable.

We use our Imagine AIO’s all the time. Not only are they perfect to have on hand for fathers, relatives or caregivers not experienced with cloth diapers, but they are ideal for your diaper bag because they are as easy to put on as a disposable. And at the price of $10.95 you can get a small stash without breaking a sweat. I used to think that AIO diapers were a convenience that we just couldn’t afford; Imagine has made it possible for us to add some to our stash and take a break from stuffing, folding, sorting and snapping!

This diaper has worked great in the daytime, even during naps (as long as it’s not a marathon one). The fit is fantastic on 4-month-old Ingrid. Erik, my toddler, is going to outgrow it very soon. He’s just about to turn 2 and is 26 pounds with a slim build, so that’s a good indicator that the Imagine AIO has a smaller size range than other one-size AIO diapers.

Based on our experience, I would say the Imagine Stay-Dry AIO diaper fits best from about 8 pounds to 25 pounds. If you have a very chunky or tall baby, it might stop fitting even sooner.

Here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts on the Imagine Stay-Dry AIO diaper:

WHAT I LIKE

The soaker and lining are super soft and cozy
The fit is trim and snug
No leaks or wicking of moisture from the waist or legs
The stay-dry soaker pad is great for babies sensitive to wetness
It dries very quickly for an AIO diaper
The snap-in soaker will stay permanently attached to the diaper (if you wish), making it a true AIO
At $10.95, the price is unbeatable, especially compared to other AIO’s on the market

WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE

They run small.
The insert is attached at the back instead of the front, so it tends to “pull” the front of the waistband down a bit.
Adding inserts at night to boost the absorbency may be an issue. For Ingrid, laying a small booster inside works fine, but for Erik (my toddler), additional inserts add too much bulk and the diaper doesn’t fit properly.
There are no crossover snaps for skinny-waisted babies.

If you prefer bamboo to microfiber for your baby, there is also an Imagine Bamboo AIO at Nicki’s which is just $14.95.

Do you like the new Ring-a-Ding print, too? You’re in luck! One of my readers will receive an Imagine Stay Dry AIO diaper in the new “Ring a Ding” print! Open to US and Canada.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

New Buttons Diapers Review & Giveaway

December 2, 2014 by Anne Marie 127 Comments

Buttons Diapers recently added a few new products to their lineup and sent some complimentary samples for a review. I received a cover in the Critters print (which was introduced this Fall), a small daytime and small nighttime hemp insert, a diaper pail liner in the Thicket (leaves) print and a package of 6 velour wipes.

The Cover

Since my previous review, an embroidered button has been added to the back of each cover, giving it a cute signature look. This is still one of my favorite covers; we use Buttons Diapers daily for both 4-month-old Ingrid and almost-two Erik. Features include a wipeable interior, super soft and durable 2-layer PUL, front and back elastics, double gussets around the leg openings, snap closure and a suggested size range of 9 to 35 pounds (I actually used Buttons covers on newborn Ingrid at 7 pounds). There are snaps inside of each cover so you can use with coordinating Buttons inserts, but the cover can also be used with anything in your diaper system (fitteds, prefolds, flats, etc.).

Solid colors are $11.00 and prints are $12.50.

Here’s the cover opened up so you can see how it looks like on its own, or with a Buttons insert snapped inside.

I want to note that compared to most of my other one-size diapers, Buttons run small in the rise. Erik is 26 pounds or so and I’m estimating he’ll be too tall for the covers by 30 pounds. By that time, I’m hoping he’ll be ready to potty train and out of diapers for the most part anyway.

Buttons covers are a favorite for us not just because of the features mentioned above, but also because the fit is fantastic and we NEVER have leaks. Not one in a year and a half of use. And while I usually prefer a diaper with double snaps on the wings, I don’t miss that feature at all with Buttons.

I love the fit, the price, the colors and prints and the great service. Enough said!

The Wipes

The new Buttons wipes are made of super soft poly velour with a microfleece backing and are 8×8 inches square. One side is smooth and the other is textured, so they work better than a regular flannel wipe for scrubbing stubborn messes. Because they are so soft and velvety, I’ve found the wipes also work well to gently wipe dirty hands, noses and faces. They make perfect little wash cloths for baby Ingrid. And the apple green color helps hide stains. I have noticed that because the two layers are sewn together only at the edges, that you can feel the fabric layers moving back and forth against each other during use. At $8.50 for a package of six, they are very economically priced.

The Pail Liner / Wet Bag

Buttons’ new wet bag/pail liner is huge! It easily holds 3 days worth of dirty diapers from two children, with room to spare. It’s larger than its competitors and yet still only costs $16.00. I’ve been testing the bag for almost two months now and have had no leaks or moisture seeping through the PUL. It’s thick and durable, but silky smooth to the touch, just like the Buttons diaper covers. The unique toggle closure lets you adjust the opening around the top of the pail, and also allows you to use it free-standing without a pail (other elasticized liners don’t multi-task like this). The toggle closure is a bit stubborn sometimes, but works fine otherwise. Buttons new wet bag is available in two prints (Thicket and Charming) and three colors (Blueberry, Strawberry and Pebble).

Inserts

Previously, all Buttons snap-in inserts were made of microfiber/microfleece. Now there’s a new hemp option!

Daytime inserts are four layers of 55% hemp/45% cotton with one layer of microfleece on top. They measure approximately 4.5×12 after prepping. Nighttime inserts are five layers of 55% hemp/45% cotton and measure 4.5×13 after prepping. The night insert is designed to be used with a day insert snapped on top; that way your baby gets the benefit of a stay-dry layer.

There are two sizes to choose from: small (orange stitching) fits 9 to 20 pounds and large (blue stitching) fits 20 to 35 pounds. Inserts can be snapped into the front or the back, or both.

Two things I really like about these inserts: (1) they stay snapped in the shell when you wash and dry them, making this almost seem like an AIO diaper, and (2) you don’t have to snap them in if you don’t want to. One alone is super trim; two inserts snapped together isn’t that bulky. Compared to other nighttime diapers, Buttons definitely has an edge in terms of trimness.

The only drawback of the new inserts is that hemp takes longer to dry than microfiber.

Absorbency is excellent. Ingrid wears both hemp inserts together overnight without leaks. One insert by itself gets her through a long nap of 3 hours or more.

And now, one of the most fun parts of cloth diapering: let’s see how it fits! In these photos, both Ingrid (4 months) and Erik (23 months) are wearing both inserts in the cover. (Ideally, Erik would be wearing the large inserts, but I wanted to show how the covers fit on a 26-pound toddler).

You can shop for Buttons at their online store, or at select diaper retailers.

Buttons is offering a giveaway to my readers! The prize includes: 1 cover in your choice of in stock print/color, 1 daytime hemp insert and 1 pail liner in your choice of in stock print/color. Open to both US and Canadian residents. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED